AN ACT relating to licensure of professionals who provide therapeutic care to persons with hearing and related communication disorders.
Amend KRS 334A.020 to define "interim license," "provisional license," and "temporary license"; amend KRS 334A.035 to establish new requirements for an interim license to practice as a speech-language pathologist and a speech-language pathology assistant; require a person with an interim license to practice as a speech-language pathologist who fails the national examination to submit documentation of preparation for the examination as required by the board; permit the applicant to continue to practice under the interim license with supervision as required in accordance with KRS 334A.035 for a period not to exceed 24 months, unless an extension is granted by the board; require a speech-language pathologist applicant with an interim license to apply for permanent licensure within 30 days of the completion of postgraduate professional experience; exempt speech-language pathologist employed by the public schools in a certified position and who holds a teacher certification in communication disorders issued by the Educational Professional Standards Board from licensure requirements; create new sections of KRS Chapter 334A to establish requirements for a provisional license to practice audiology under the supervision of an audiologist while completing a graduate professional experience; authorize the board administrator, with approval of the board, to issue a temporary license to any applicant for a license to practice as a speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or an audiologist if the applicant has met all the requirements for licensure until further action at the next meeting of the board; specify licensure requirements for speech-language pathologists and audiologists; require an audiologist to hold a doctoral degree beginning January 1, 2008; permit the board to grant a license to an applicant licensed in another state; amend KRS 334A.170 to change the licensure renewal time period from annually to biennially and increase the associated fees accordingly.

HCS - Retain original provisions, except amend new sections of KRS Chapter 334A to clarify that the basic educational and practicum requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist and audiologist apply only to the initial licensure.